Who is Putul Sonowal? Indian athlete stuns World Champion Ryan Bester in bowls at Commonwealth Games 2026

India's Putul Sonowal stunned reigning World Singles Outdoor Champion Ryan Bester of Canada in a dramatic tiebreak at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, pulling off one of the biggest upsets of his career.

The Indian bowler held his nerve after the men's singles sectional match was locked at one set apiece, overcoming one of the most decorated players in lawn bowls to announce himself on the Commonwealth Games stage.


Putul Sonowal, 43, is an Indian lawn bowls player who represents Assam Police. Ranked World No. 21 and the reigning Asian champion, he made his Commonwealth Games debut at Glasgow 2026.

The first-time Commonwealth Games competitor produced a remarkable performance to defeat reigning World Singles Outdoor Champion Ryan Bester, one of the most respected names in the sport.

His victory over the Canadian champion immediately placed the Indian athlete in the spotlight on the international stage.

Bester entered the contest as the overwhelming favourite. The Canadian is a former multiple-time world champion, the reigning World Singles Outdoor Champion and a Hall of Famer widely regarded as one of the finest lawn bowlers of his generation.

Facing a player of Bester's stature was always going to be a daunting challenge. However, Sonowal showed no signs of nerves as he went toe-to-toe with the Canadian champion.


The match went down to the wire, with both players winning one set each. With everything resting on the tiebreak, Sonowal displayed exceptional composure and tactical awareness to edge past Bester and secure a memorable victory.

The result marked one of the biggest wins of the Indian bowler's career and gave him a sensational start to his maiden Commonwealth Games campaign.

Sonowal's victory is another significant result for India's growing reputation in lawn bowls. The sport gained increased attention in the country following India's historic success at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Sonowal's stunning win over a reigning world champion now adds another major moment to India's progress in the discipline.

He will now look to continue his impressive campaign in Section D as he will face Cecil Alexander of the Falkland Islands in his next sectional match on Friday.

India also enjoyed success in the women's pairs event earlier in the day, with Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki defeating Malta's Rixon sisters, Rebecca Louise and Connie-Leigh, in a tiebreaker.